UP will replace the track at the Bowen crossing at a later date, so it will only be closed once for between four and six hours. On the city website, Keith Melton, the Director of Public Works and Transportation, said, “They [Union Pacific] were willing to do what they could to help minimize the impact of this project, so they’ve come up with an alternative to keep Bowen Road open, except for that short period of time.”

The City of Arlington is offering some online assistance to help drivers plan their routes. Twenty-seven have been installed and are providing views of conditions and repair progress. Arlington spokeswoman Rebecca Rodriguez said the cameras don’t stream live video, but the shots are refreshed every five minutes.

Wednesday there were some complaints about traffic congestion at crossings, but that is due to heavy equipment being moved in preparation to begin the project. The city has also made provisions for emergency services and will have vehicles stationed on both sides of the Union Pacific tracks.

City leaders suggest that drivers plan on using roads that go over or under the railroad tracks — not across them. Some alternate routes would include Highways 360 and 161.

Rodriguez said the project would evolve as it proceeds and, “Some of the details may cause us to have to change the facts as we know it.” As it stands, the UP Rail Renewal project is scheduled take eight days and wrap up by January 24.

Crossing Close & Open Dates*
PVT Road (Howell Farm) Scheduled to be closed Jan. 16-20
Bowen Road Scheduled to close January 17 for four hours
Davis Street Scheduled to be closed January 17-21**
Cooper Street Scheduled to be closed January 18-22
N. Center Street Scheduled to be closed January 18-22
Mesquite Street Scheduled to be closed January 18-22
Collins Street Scheduled to be closed January 19-23
Stadium Drive East Scheduled to be closed January 19-23
Great Southwest Parkway Scheduled to be closed January 21-February 3

*Dates are subject to change **Crews will work to open Davis prior to the closure of Collins and Stadium